Samenschalen

Samenschalen, in botanical terminology, are the outer protective coverings of seeds. They originate from the integuments of the ovule and are commonly referred to as the seed coat (testa). In many species the seed coat consists of two layers: an outer testa and an inner tegmen, though the exact structure can vary and may be fused with parts of the fruit surrounding the seed.

The primary role of the samenschalen is protection. They shield the embryo from mechanical damage, desiccation, and pathogens, and they help regulate water uptake during germination. The coat can also influence dormancy by being impermeable to water or gases, a trait known as physical dormancy. Pigments and secondary compounds in the coat, such as tannins and lignin, contribute to coloration and chemical defenses against herbivores and micro-organisms.

Coat characteristics vary widely among plants. Some seeds have very hard, thick coats (hardseededness), which require scarification or weathering to germinate, while others have thin, flexible coats that germinate readily. Coat texture, color, and thickness are often used in seed classification and can affect dispersal strategies and seedling success. In agriculture, seed coats impact handling, storage, and germination. Seed treatments, including scarification, coatings, or priming, target the coat to improve germination performance or protect against pathogens.

Understanding samenschalen is important for ecology, agriculture, and seed technology, as coat properties influence germination, dormancy, and seedling establishment.